Tech Center Archives - Page 32 of 35 - TechShop Magazine
Converter Codes: How Long Will the Light Stay Out?

Any time you’re troubleshooting an OBDII problem, use a scan tool that can tell you if all the monitor readiness flags have been set. If one or more monitors are not ready, the vehicle will have to be driven under varying speeds and loads until all the monitors are set. Then, and only then, will you get an accurate diagnosis from OBDII.

Maintaining Your Spray Guns

Over the years we’ve seen many types of spray guns. Although there are operating principles and functions that remain the same, some have been improved upon, and some even outright changed. Spray gun maintenance is so easy, but so commonly neglected. Carl Wilson explains why poorly a maintained spray gun does more harm than good.

Pulling Codes: 7 Common Causes of Misfire Codes

A flashing check engine light and a P0301 to P0312 DTC is a surefire indication that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss.

Analyzing the Cylinder Pressure Waveform from a Running Engine, Part 3

This is our final installment of the Analyzing the Cylinder Pressure Waveform from a Running Engine series of our Maximizing Tools column. In this article, we discuss the Inlet (or Intake) and Exhaust tabs.

5 Tool Storage Tips

In this article, we highlight five tool storage features, providing details on what you need to know before purchasing your next tool chest, cart or organization ­products.

Editor’s Notes: Are You Going to the AVI Conference, AAPEX or SEMA Shows?

    The 2014 AVI Conference Nov. 3 and 4 — which will feature more than 20 high-end technical and management classes — should be enough to get you to Vegas this fall, but while you’re there, you might be surprised at exactly how many learning opportunities there are specifically for service professionals. AAPEX, in

Editor’s Notes: The Love of Tools Is Shared Among Many

After the June/July issue of TechShop came out, I heard from an industry friend about my “Common Sense Tool Advice” column, which featured “fatherly advice” from my coworker Andrew Markel’s dad. Denny Mandeville, the owner and lead technician of Canyon Automotive in Sedona, AZ, and I have kept in touch over the years after meeting

Pulling Codes: Good Guys Vs. Bad Guys

In the world of automotive module-to-module communication, Code U0100 can mimic a good guy/bad guy situation — the good guy has made an attempt to communicate with the bad guy and the bad guy does not respond.

TPMS: Weighing The Options

The topic of TPMS continues to be an often asked about one. This article delves into the background on some popular sensors, servicing them and the tools that make the job a lot easier.

Making Money Servicing TPMS

The AVI course, “Making Money Servicing TPMS” [LBT-277], presented by Karl Schneider, covers everything you need to know about TPMS.

Analyzing Cylinder Pressure Waveforms, Part 2

In Part 2 of this Maximizing Tools series, we continue our discussion of alternative approaches to diagnosing an engine using the pressure waveforms from an in-cylinder pressure transducer. In this article we analyze the Valve Timing and Ignition Timing tabs on the waveforms.

Emissions System Diagnosis Starts with a Vacuum Test

Grab your vacuum gauge and your fuel pressure gauge — we’re going to delve into the tools and equipment involved and the information you need to know to pass the X1 ASE Certification Test section that focuses on emissions system diagnosis.